JUNIOR COOK CONTEST LIST

Welcome, Junior Cooks! This page lists contests that persons under 18 years old may be able to enter. Some of them are recipe contests, and others want an essay or a video. Students who are 18 will find some contests here that they may enter, but will also be able to enter some contests on the DEADLINE page.

Each has different age requirements to enter the contest, so check the "ELIGIBILITY" line of the summary to see if you can enter that one. Some contests you must enter together with an adult.

If there is no mention of age limitations in the rules of a contest we will list them on this page. If we find out from the sponsors that they want adults only, the contest will be removed.

These contests have DEADLINE dates for entering. Click on a link to see contest summary:

ASAP!        "THE GREAT AMERICAN AMATEUR KITCHEN" CASTING CALL new

02-05-12   OLIVE GARDEN'S 16th ANNUAL PASTA TALES ESSAY CONTEST
02-06-11   TARLA DALAL: SANDWICH RECIPE CONTEST
02-10-12   TEXAS COOP POWER: BLUEBERRIES
02-10-12   THE 'HUNGER GAMES' RECIPE CONTEST 4
02-10-12   IOWA EGG COUNCIL 2012 COOKING CONTEST
02-13-12   INSTRUCTABLES COFFEE CHALLENGE
02-15-12   SIMPLE & DELICIOUS: PERFECT PARTY APPETIZERS
02-17-12   HOLLAND BULB FARMS' 2012 HOMEGROWN RECIPE CONTEST
02-29-12   TASTE OF HOME: HOLIDAY DESSERTS
02-29-12   TRIED-AND-TESTED-RECIPES.COM RECIPE COMPETITION

03-02-12   "STIRRING UP HEALTH™" NATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL RECIPE CONTEST
03-15-12   HEALTHY COOKING: LIGHTENED-UP HOLIDAY COOKIES AND BARS
03-31-12   MAMA MARY'S 2012 PIZZA CREATIONS RECIPE CONTEST

04-01-12   COUNTRY WOMAN: BEST CHRISTMAS COOKIES
04-14-12   SIMPLE & DELICIOUS: SIMPLE SIMMERED SENSATIONS
04-30-12   COOK YOUR HEART OUT 2012 new

05-15-12   HEALTHY COOKING: FAST & CHEAP
05-31-12   TASTE OF HOME: CHERISHED FAMILY CLASSICSline

ASAP!

"THE GREAT AMERICAN AMATEUR KITCHEN" CASTING CALL

DEADLINE

Nominations will be accepted continuously.

DESCRIPTION

Do you have a signature dish that everyone raves over? The Great American Amateur Kitchen is a new show that will spotlight cooks from across the nation, taping each amateur chef preparing their famous dish in their own kitchen. Nominate yourself or a friend to be featured by submitting a recipe, accompanied by a story about the joy it brings to others. The goal of the broadcast is to share the love and warmth of your kitchen with others — and to have a fun time doing so!

ELIGIBILITY

Open to amateur cooks of all ages who are residents of the 50 United States and DC.

PRIZES

Up to 39 Prizes each season (3/episode): Fame! You will become an instant reality TV star and Facebook celebrity. Host Simon Stanley will bring the ingredients and the production crew to your home and tape you making your special recipe in your kitchen, then share it with the world.
Most recipes that are not featured on the broadcast will be featured in the cookbooks the sponsor will be publishing. An introduction to each recipe will be added by the sponsor, along with a suggested wine pairing where appropriate.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

FEBRUARY 2012

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OLIVE GARDEN'S 16th ANNUAL PASTA TALES ESSAY CONTEST

DEADLINE

February 5, 2012 (extended from January 29, 2012)

DESCRIPTION

Submit an essay of 50 to 250 words answering the question: “If you were given $5,000 to support education in your local community, how would you use it and why?”

ELIGIBILITY

Open to students in grades 1-12 through January 29, 2012, who are residents of the United States or Canada.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: a trip to New York City for winner and 3 other persons for dinner at the Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square, including airfare, 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodations and a savings bond of $2,500 at maturity (Total ARV $5,000). In addition, Olive Garden will provide a $5,000 grant to support education in the winner’s local community, which will bring his/her essay to life.
12 First Prizes  (1/grade category): a savings bond of $500 at maturity and dinner for four at an Olive Garden restaurant nearest winner’s residence (ARV $350).

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

TARLA DALAL: SANDWICH RECIPE CONTEST

DEADLINE

February 6, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter your recipe for sandwiches of any sort: hot, cold, open, sandwiches that make a meal and dainty sandwiches for a cocktail party. Tarla Dalal is located in India, and entries should be vegetarian. Recipes for this monthly contest should be sized to serve 4 persons.

ELIGIBILITY

Not stated.

PRIZES

Prize: a personally autographed Sandwiches cookbook by Tarla Dalal.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

TEXAS CO-OP POWER: BLUEBERRIES

DEADLINE

February 10, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter recipes featuring those tasty yet nutrional powerhouses, blueberries.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to legal residents of Texas who are members of an electric co-op.

PRIZES

Prize: Texas Blueberry Festival prize package, including a two-night stay at the historic Hardeman House Bed & Breakfast in Nacogdoches.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

THE 'HUNGER GAMES' RECIPE CONTEST 4

DEADLINE

February 10, 2012

DESCRIPTION

This is the last of four contests themed around the movie/book trilogy "Hunger Games." Each contest requires entries themed around a different category of foods from the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, which is filled with evocative descriptions of food.
For this contest, submit your original Wild Card recipe inspired by the "Hunger Games" dish of your choice. Include a photo of the finished creation.

ELIGIBILITY

Not stated.

PRIZES

Prize: not announced, just that you have "a shot at fame, glory and prizes."

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

IOWA EGG COUNCIL 2012 COOKING CONTEST

DEADLINE

February 10, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter your recipe featuring at least 4 eggs and containing no more than 12 ingredients. Recipes may be for appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, snacks, desserts, or beverages. The eggs must be cooked in the preparation of the dish. Finalists must participate in a cookoff.

ELIGIBILITY

Open only to residents of Iowa. There are two age divisions in this contest: adults and students (6th – 12th grade).

PRIZES

These prizes will be awarded in both divisions.
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $400
Third Prize: $300
Fourth Prize: $200
Fifth Prize: $100

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

INSTRUCTABLES COFFEE CHALLENGE

DEADLINE

February 13, 2012

DESCRIPTION

How do you ingest your coffee? In a beverage, a dessert, or something more unconventional? Create a Step-by-Step, Photo, or Video Instructable featuring your own coffee recipes.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to residents of the 50 United States and DC, Canada (excluding Quebec), UK, and Australia who are 13 or older. May need parent/guardian permission if you are under 18.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: a Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder and an Instructables Prize Pack (ARV $625).
3 First Prizes: a Baratza 585 Baratza Virtuoso Coffee Grinder and an Instructables Prize Pack (ARV $225).
5 Second Prize: a Cuisinart DCC 2600 Central Programmable Coffeemaker and an Instructables Prize pack (ARV $125).

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

SIMPLE & DELICIOUS: PERFECT PARTY APPETIZERS

DEADLINE

February 15, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter your party appetizer recipes that are easy, scrumptious, and perfect for holiday parties. Dips, poppers, baked tidbits, pinwheels, bruschettas, fondue, nuts, tartlets, and even stuffed veggies are welcome as long as they require the miniumum of fuss. Include a few words about the origin of your recipe, any compliments it's received, and any variations you recommend.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $500
2nd Place Prize: $300
3rd Place Prize: $200
4th Place Prize: $100
8 Runner-up Prizes: 1-year Simple & Delicious subscription or gift subscription.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

HOLLAND BULB FARMS' 2012 HOMEGROWN RECIPE CONTEST

DEADLINE

February 17, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Submit your favorite "homegrown" recipe recipe in one of 2 categories, Fruits or Vegetables. The recipe must contain (and preferably feature) at least one of the fruits or vegetables sold on the Holland Bulb Farms website.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC, who are 16 years of age or older.

PRIZES

Third Prize (1/category): a $25 shopping spree on the Holland Bulb Farms website.
Second Prize (1/category): a $50 shopping spree on the Holland Bulb Farms website.
First Prize (1/category): a $100 shopping spree on the Holland Bulb Farms website
Any participant submitting a recipe which is featured on the Holland Bulb Farms website or Bulb Blog will be awarded a $10 coupon to be used on any Holland Bulb Farms order.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

TASTE OF HOME: HOLIDAY DESSERTS

DEADLINE

February 29, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Share the fantastic dessert recipes you showcase during the holidays. Entries are being accepted in these categories: Cookies & Bars; Bread Pudding; Cakes; Candies; Cobblers; and Tarts & Pies. Include a few words about the origin of your recipe, compliments it's received, and variations you suggest.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $500
2nd place: $300
3rd place: $150
9 Runners-up receive a cookbook.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.


TRIED-AND TESTED-RECIPES.COM RECIPE COMPETITION

DEADLINE

February 29, 2012

DESCRIPTION

You may enter any original recipe in this contest. Include 1-4 photos, one of which must be the finished dish.

ELIGIBILITY

Not stated.

PRIZES

Prize: $50 (US) Amazon gift certificate.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

MARCH 2012

"STIRRING UP HEALTH™" NATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL RECIPE CONTEST

DEADLINE

March 2, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter a healthy recipe that is lower in fat, sugar and salt than typical recipes. Include a photo of your prepared recipe, and answer the essay questions on the entry form. Your recipe must have a high percentage of its ingredients from the MyPlate food group category you chose from this list: Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, Protein, Dairy.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be a resident of the continental United States. Open to students currently enrolled in grade 7 or 8. You will need a parent/guardian signature, and if entering as a group, a teacher signature too.

PRIZES

5 National Winners: Chef for a Day — A J&W University chef will prepare your recipe with you at a school or youth group event.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

HEALTHY COOKING: LIGHTENED-UP HOLIDAY COOKIES AND BARS

DEADLINE

March 15, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Submit your lightened up but luscious holiday cookies and bars. Do you have any tips for lightening up the time and effort needed to make them, too? Include a short note about your recipe: its origins, compliments it's received, plus any variations you recommend.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $600
First Prize: $400
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100
Runners-up: year's subscription to Healthy Cooking.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

MAMA MARY'S® 2012 PIZZA CREATIONS RECIPE CONTEST - PERIOD 1

DEADLINE

March 31, 2012

DESCRIPTION

This is the first of 4 quarterly contests. Enter your original recipe using one of Mama Mary's® Gourmet Pizza Crusts. There are 2 categories, judged separately:

  • Your Mama’s Favorite Pizza
  • Creative Creations Traditional or Dessert Pizza.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to all ages. No residency requirements stated.

PRIZES

8 Quarterly Semifinalists (4/category): a cappuccino machine and a free one-year supply of Mama Mary's® Gourmet Pizza Crusts.
2 Grand Prizes (1/category): will be chosen from the entire year's semifinalists in each category. Grand Prize winners will each receive a trip to Disney World plus $5,000, half of which ($2,500) will be donated by Spartan Foods of America, Inc. to the charity of each winner's choice.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

APRIL 2012

COUNTRY WOMAN: BEST CHRISTMAS COOKIES

DEADLINE

April 1, 2012

DESCRIPTION

This isn't the contest for your everyday cookies.  For this contest, enter the holiday cookie recipes where you pull out all the stops to make your audience stop and raver over their incredibleness! Include a few words about the origin of your recipe, compliments it's received, and variations you suggest.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $500;
Second place: $300;
Third place: $200;
Runners-up: Free year of Country Woman for winner or a friend.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

SIMPLE & DELICIOUS: SIMPLE SIMMERED SENSATIONS

DEADLINE

April 14, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter your easy slow-cooker recipes that wow your family and friends. The recipe may be for any part of a meal. Include a few words about the origin of your recipe, any compliments it's received, and any variations you recommend.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $500
2nd Place Prize: $300
3rd Place Prize: $200
4th Place Prize: $100
8 Runner-up Prizes: 1-year Simple & Delicious subscription or gift subscription.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'S COOK YOUR HEART OUT 2012

DEADLINE

April 30, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Enter your heart-healthy recipe, along with a picture of yourself and a short explanation of why heart-healthy cooking is important to you. You must be able to participate in a cook-off October 12, 2012. There are 4 categories: Entrées, Sides, Desserts, Kid-Friendly.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to residents of the 50 United States and DC who are 16 or older.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $25,000 check
3 First Prizes: $5,000 check
12 Finalists (3/category): trips to New York City for Finalist and 1 guest. Includes transportation, 2 nights lodging, and some meals. Finalist will participate in the Cook-off event. (ARV $2750).

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

MAY 2012

HEALTHY COOKING: FAST & CHEAP

DEADLINE

May 15, 2012

DESCRIPTION

What do you prepare for your family that is healthy, fast to prepare, and doesn't ruin the family budget? Include a short note about your recipe: its origins, compliments it's received, plus any variations you recommend.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $600
First Prize: $400
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

TASTE OF HOME: CHERISHED FAMILY CLASSICS

DEADLINE

May 31, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Which recipes do you consider timeless classics? You know, the ones that your kids take with them when they leave the nest, or that you give to young couples. Enter your 12 ingredient or less recipe in one of these 3 categories (and don't forget to include a few words about the origin of your recipe, compliments it's received, and variations you suggest): Meats; Soups/Salads/Sides; Sweets.

ELIGIBILITY

No requirements stated.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $500
2nd place: $300
3rd place: $150
9 Runners-up receive a cookbook.

DETAILS

Click here for contest information.

RULES & REGS

Click here for rules.

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